20 October 2006
Siding Construction on Schedule
Crowsnest Pass Alberta - Construction of the
7,490-foot siding being built between Blairmore and Coleman is right on schedule according to CPR spokesperson Ed
Greenberg.
Despite numerous attempts by Council to slow or halt construction on the siding, work began on Tuesday, 5 Sep 2006.
Greenberg says weather permitting the siding should be completed before the end of the year.
"The project is going well. The project itself we hope to get done by the end of the year, and then (there has to be) final
inspections before (the siding) can go into service," explained Greenberg.
He also said the mud and debris being trailed onto 20 Avenue from the contractors working on the siding had been cleaned using municipal
sweepers, with the bill being paid by CPR.
During a meeting earlier this month, Council was presented with a letter from Graeme Gordon, manager of the mediation unit with the
Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA).
The letter was in response to correspondence from Council last month, informing the CTA they were interested in entering into mediation
with CPR.
"It is our understanding that the construction of the railway siding has started; the dialogue between the railway and the
municipality has ceased; and that there remain unresolved safety concerns that should be addressed prior to the siding becoming
operational," stated the letter from Gordon.
"We encourage the municipality to re-establish a working dialogue with CP Rail to review the latest proposal by the
railway, to identify and discuss concerns related to risk, and work to resolve the outstanding issues."
But Mayor John Irwin said he was disappointed with the letter. "I understood (by sending the initial letter) the meeting would be
set up. Not advice on how to ask for (mediation)," said Irwin.
Greenberg says CPR is aware of the request to enter into mediation, but he says there has been no final commitment from the company to
do so.
During Tuesday's Council meeting, Irwin said he remains very concerned about the health and safety of Pass residents who may be affected
by the siding, particularly those on the south side of the tracks in Blairmore and Coleman.
He pointed out that on average, Crowsnest Pass EMS can respond to a call on the south side of the tracks in approximately four minutes.
"That could save a person with cardiac arrest," he said.
Although federal regulations state a train can't block a crossing for more than five minutes, Irwin says by the time it slows down and
starts up again, it could take around 17 minutes. "Seventeen minutes is a death sentence with cardiac arrest. If (CPR) blocks for
more than five minutes, then with the (federal regulations) the liability should clearly lie on CPR for any damages," he said.
Chief Administrative Officer Gordon Lundy said when he spoke to Bruce Cavanaugh of the Canada Transport Agency, he was told the
five-minute rule refers only to when the train is at a complete stop, and slowing down and starting up times are not taken
into account.
Councillor Dean Ward suggested they get a clear definition from a lawyer about the five-minute rule. "If that's the
essence of the (five-minute rule) then the whole rule means nothing."
When asked what he thought of the possibility of a train blocking the crossing for even five minutes, Director of Crowsnest Pass EMS
Troy Linderman said he had a suggestion for anyone who didn't think that would be a significant amount of time. "Hold your breath
for five minutes. Then I'll let you know how you're doing," said Linderman.
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